Written Answers - Ferry Services.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:
97
Mr. Kenny
asked the
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
the number of occasions in the past 12 months that his Department has been contacted by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands in respect of advice from his Department's surveyors regarding suitability of passenger ferries offered for tender purposes to and from offshore islands; and if his Department updates its register of these vessels on a regular basis and advises the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands of this information.
[20887/98]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:
98
Mr. Kenny
asked the
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
the reason his Department does not have primary responsibility for awarding tenders to ferry passengers to and from offshore islands in view of the fact that this is the primary function of the licensing and certification procedures operated by his Department and safety of passengers is of paramount importance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[20888/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together.
My Department's functions in relation to passenger vessels, under the Merchant Shipping Acts, are limited to the surveying, certification and licensing of any vessels that may be used or proposed to be used for the carriage of passengers.
All passenger vessels used for operating ferry services between offshore islands and the main-land are statutorily required to hold either a Passenger Vessel Safety Certificate — vessels carrying more than 12 passengers — or a Passenger Boat Licence — vessels carrying 12 or fewer passengers — issued by my Department. The primary function of this certification procedure is to ensure that the vessel is fit to operate, subject to any conditions that may be imposed upon it, and that the highest standards of safety are maintained.
Under the Acts it is a matter for the operators of such vessels, in the first instance, to approach the Marine Survey Office of my Department seeking such survey, certification or licensing.
My Department maintains a record of licensed vessels and makes that information available on request. As part of my ongoing commitment to increasing safety awareness, my Department is preparing proposals for the upgrading of the publication of this information with a view to achieving its widest possible dissemination.
The awarding of contracts in respect of ferry services to and from offshore islands is the responsibility of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. That Department makes funding available to secure ferry services to a number of islands and it is for that Department to satisfy itself on the social, economic and value for money aspects of any ferry operation it might decide to support. I understand that all tender documentation in respect of such operations includes a requirement that services should be operated using a suitably certified passenger vessel which meets the appropriate classification requirements of the Department of Marine and Natural Resources.
My Department is available to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, at all times, to offer advice as to the suitability of any vessel operating, or which it is proposed to operate. I cannot put a precise figure on the number of contacts, on the subject, made to my Department by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands during the past 12 months. However, if the Deputy requires specific safety information in respect of any existing or proposed services, I will be glad to help him with his inquiries.
